Raising Awareness about Food Allergies

May 15-19 is National Food Allergy Awareness Week. Did you know more than 32 million people live with a potentially lethal food allergy, and on average, two children per classroom have a food allergy diagnosis? FWCD SAGE Dining Services Director Stephen Novak works with FWCD families from the start to help them navigate the School’s menu so students with food allergies are aware of their options and know the ingredients used in their meals. The top 12 food allergens are wheat, gluten, egg, fish, milk, sesame, soy, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, mustard and sulfites. FWCD is a “nut-aware” campus, and the Fischer Dining Pavilion has been entirely nut-free for several years . Families are encouraged to learn more about food allergies and become an ally! Visit the Food Allergy website to learn more about initiatives and how you can celebrate the week. Read more about how SAGE Dining Services supports food allergies at Raising Awareness. 

As part of SAGE’s Allergen Management Program, there is a dedicated allergen station, "Free Style” and a gluten-free station for a safe and inclusive dining experience. SAGE also offers a nutrition tracking system and ingredient details on the lunch menus and through the Touch of SAGE app and website.

“We believe allergies and other special dietary needs should not mean getting a ‘lesser’ meal than the rest of our community,” Novak said. “We try to keep our allergen/special dietary needs meals as inclusive as possible while striving to meet all the needs of our community members to ensure everyone gets a delicious, nutritious, well-balanced, and satisfying meal daily.”

The Free Style Lunch Station, next to the gluten-free station, was added as an option in the FDP in March. This section features more simply prepared and approachable food offerings, and its entire menu is free of the top 12 common food allergens. These offerings are handled, stored, prepared and serviced separately. Offerings change daily and have included black forest ham, BBQ chicken drumettes, roasted brussels sprouts, house-roasted turkey breast, shredded chicken soft tacos, top allergen-free whole grain bread, red roasted potatoes, house-made cinnamon applesauce and more. View the daily menu to see the day’s offerings.

“I hope the Free Style station gives our community members with allergies an added level of confidence that the food they are eating is safe,” Novak said.  

Download a Food Ally Poster